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Home » South America » Chile

Chile Travel Guide

This Chile travel guide will help you plan your next vacation to this unforgettable destination.

A Land of Extremes, Waiting to Be Explored

Chile is wildly dynamic and packed with adventure at every turn. Stretching from the windswept wilds of Patagonia in the south to the otherworldly Atacama Desert in the north, it’s the longest country in the world and one of the most geographically diverse.

Whether you’re trekking through Torres del Paine, stargazing in the desert, or exploring the mysteries of Easter Island, Chile offers experiences that feel truly untapped. Still relatively new on the tourism radar, now is the perfect time to visit before the secret gets out.

patagonia chile paine massif at sunrise
Notable Places

Discover Chile

Use the map to explore the regions of Chile, we recommend you start with out 1-month itinerary for the ultimate trip.

Read our 1-month itinerary

Our Chile Itineraries

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Chile Quick Guide

  • Currency: Chilean Peso (CLP)
  • Language: Spanish
  • Emergency Number: 133 (police), 131 (ambulance), 132 (fire)
  • Tipping: 10% is typically included in restaurant bills; if not, it’s customary to add it
  • Fun Fact #1: Chile stretches over 4,300 km (2,670 miles) from north to south—one of the longest countries in the world
  • Fun Fact #2: The Atacama Desert is the driest place on Earth
  • Fun Fact #3: Chile is home to Easter Island (Rapa Nui), famous for its giant stone moai statues

Explore Easter Island

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Where to Stay in Chile

Santiago offers modern hotels and boutique stays in trendy neighborhoods like Bellavista and Lastarria. In Patagonia, Puerto Natales and Torres del Paine have rustic lodges and eco-camps. Valparaíso offers colorful hillside guesthouses, while San Pedro de Atacama provides desert retreats. Hostels, cabins (cabañas), and family-run inns are widely available.

Start by planning out where you would like to visit and then search for accommodation in those areas. We use Booking.com for all our hotel stays, many hotels have pay later offers and you can build up your Genius level to get discounts on your stays. 

CHECK BOOKING.COM

Discover Chilean Accommodation

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How to Get Around Chile

Chile’s incredible length means air travel is the best way to cover long distances, especially between Santiago, Patagonia, and the Atacama Desert. Domestic carriers like LATAM and Sky offer frequent flights. Intercity buses are affordable and comfortable, especially between central and northern cities.

For Patagonia or the Lake District, car rentals allow greater flexibility, though roads can be remote. In Santiago, a reliable metro and public bus system make city travel easy. Taxis and ride-hailing apps like Uber and Cabify operate in major cities, though cash may be preferred. Long-distance ferries connect isolated areas like Chiloé and Puerto Natales. In small towns or nature reserves, expect to explore on foot, by bike, or with local tour operators.

SEARCH FOR A RENTAL CAR

Explore Chile By Car

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Must-Visit Places in Chile

  • Santiago – Capital city with Andes views, museums, and a buzzing food scene
  • Valparaíso – A vibrant port city of street art, funiculars, and bohemian charm
  • San Pedro de Atacama – Gateway to surreal landscapes like Moon Valley and salt flats
  • Torres del Paine – Iconic Patagonian park with glaciers, lakes, and dramatic granite towers
  • Puerto Varas & Lake District – Snowcapped volcanoes, lakeside towns, and German influence
  • Chiloé Island – Myth-rich culture, stilted houses (palafitos), and UNESCO wooden churches
  • Easter Island (Rapa Nui) – Remote Polynesian island known for mysterious moai statues
  • Valle de Elqui – Star-gazing paradise and birthplace of pisco
  • Pucón – Adventure capital near Villarrica Volcano and hot springs
  • La Serena – Colonial charm and beaches near astronomical observatories
Stay Connected

Don’t waste time hunting for SIM cards or stressing about roaming. With an eSIM, you can get connected as soon as you land and stay online wherever your adventures take you.

🔗 Check out our guide to the cheapest eSIMs for international travel.

Find the cheapest eSIM

Explore Patagonia

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Chilean Food to Try

Chilean cuisine reflects its coastal geography and indigenous roots:

  • Empanadas de Pino – Baked pastries filled with ground beef, onions, olives, and hard-boiled egg
  • Pastel de Choclo – Corn pie layered with meat, chicken, egg, and olives, baked under a sweet corn topping
  • Cazuela – Hearty stew with meat, potatoes, pumpkin, corn, and rice
  • Curanto – Traditional Chilote dish of shellfish, meat, and potatoes, cooked in an earth oven or pot
  • Completo – A loaded hot dog topped with avocado, tomatoes, sauerkraut, and mayo
  • Pebre – Spicy salsa made with cilantro, onion, tomato, garlic, and chili
  • Mariscal – Cold seafood soup with lemon juice, coriander, and shellfish
  • Alfajores – Dulce de leche–filled cookies often coated in chocolate or coconut

Know Before You Go

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Top 5 Things To Bring On Every Trip

  1. Travel Insurance: Protect yourself against unforeseen events like trip cancellations, medical emergencies, or lost luggage.
  2. Power Bank: Keep your devices charged on the go, ensuring you stay connected and capture every moment.
  3. Universal Travel Adapter: A must-have for international travelers to plug in and power up devices in different countries.
  4. Reusable Water Bottle: Stay hydrated while reducing plastic waste; many destinations have refill stations available.
  5. Packing Cubes: Organize your luggage efficiently, making it easier to find items and maximize space.

Top Day Tours to Discover Chile

  • Cajon del Maipo: Get out of Santiago for a day trip through the Andes to Cajón del Maipo. Explore San José de Maipo village, marvel at the turquoise Embalse El Yeso, stroll by Salto El Yeso waterfall, and unwind with wine, cheese and olives. 
  • Paine Towers: Starting at Puerto Natales, embark on an advanced trip to the base of the Paine Towers of the Paine National Park, passing through a Millenial Lenga forest and the beautiful Lake Nordenskjöld.
  • El Tatio Geysers: Rise before dawn in San Pedro de Atacama to set off to the El Tatio Geyser Field at nearly 4,200 m, witnessing 80 steaming geysers at sunrise. Spot flamingos in the Putana Valley, and stop in the scenic Machuca village. Dress warmly in layers for sub‑zero temperatures.
  • Vina Del Mar, Valparaiso, Casablanca & Reñaca: Escape Santiago for the day and take a journey to Chile’s vibrant Pacific coast. Explore UNESCO-listed Valparaíso with its historic funiculars, colorful street art, and panoramic hilltop plazas. Continue to Viña del Mar to stroll the Flower Clock, Reñaca Beach, and Quinta Vergara gardens. 

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Detailed Itineraries & Travel Guides

Going Awesome Places is an award-winning travel brand that features detailed itineraries, travel guides, packing lists, and videos to help plan your next trip.
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